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Food History

Smithsonian museums continue to be closed to support the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. Read a message from our director, and check our website and social media for updates.

Exploring History, One Bite at a Time

Through programs, research, and collections the Smithsonian Food History project at the National Museum of American History invites communities near and far to come to the table. By learning more about American food history, today’s museum visitors will understand the role they play in shaping how and what America eats.

Food programs are based in the rich food history content at the museum and include a diverse menu of programs and demonstrations that bring visitors together for relevant discussions that start with history and expand to the present and future of American food. Activities include free daytime programs for visitors, regular After Hours events that mix historic topics with delicious food and drink, and the annual Smithsonian Food History Weekend. The National Museum of American History is committed to examining the impact of food, drink, and agriculture on American History.

To learn more, explore collections below, programs and research in the menu, and sign up for our food history email newsletter. Cheers!

From Our Blog

As crazy as it may seem now, homebrewing used to be illegal and Jimmy Carter actually played a part in changing that, contributing to the craft beer revolution. But that’s just one unexpected facet in the story of how our current beer industry came to be.